Devils hire Mehta as new GM — The Fourth Period

The New Jersey Devils have hired Sunny Mehta as its sixth General Manager in franchise history.

Mehta, 48, rejoins New Jersey after spending six seasons with the Florida Panthers. He first started his career in NHL management in 2024 when the Devils brought him in as Director of Hockey Analytics.

“I’m thrilled to welcome Sunny and his wife, Nicole, back home to New Jersey,” said Devils’ Managing Partner David Blitzer. “We quickly realized this job was in high demand and were incredibly fortunate to meet with many qualified candidates. Sunny’s familiarity with our organization and experience with a two-time Stanley Cup-winning team are characteristics that will serve as a foundation for future success. Our expectations are to be a perennial playoff team and compete for the Stanley Cup, and I look forward to Sunny leading us there.”

Mehta originally joined the Panthers in 2020 as Vice President of Hockey Strategy & Intelligence. He was a key part of the management team that formed back-to-back Stanley Cup championship teams in 2024 and 2025.

“This is a dream come true for a New Jersey kid, who grew up watching Devils’ practices just 20 minutes away in Totowa,” said Mehta. “After meeting with David Blitzer, Josh Harris, Bob Myers, and other members of the organization, I knew this was the place I wanted to be. Thank you to Vinnie Viola, Bill Zito and the entire Florida Panthers organization for a fantastic six years and for the opportunity to take the next step in my professional career.

“New Jersey has a tremendous young core that will be looking to get back to being a contender, a complement of young assets and draft picks, and a passionate fan base hungry for success. I was fortunate enough to watch the New Jersey Devils raise three Stanley Cups and am excited to get to work to return to that level.”